Hemp seeds are one of nature’s most perfect foods. In addition to being an excellent source of fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and numerous other vitamin and minerals, hemp seeds contain a highly digestible plant protein which is free of trypsin-inhibitors and carries 18 amino acids, thus making it a complete protein.
The seeds can be consumed whole (similar to eating sunflower seeds), hulled, or ground into a powder for baking or adding to smoothies. Incorporating hemp seed into the diet is an excellent way to increase intake of essential fatty acids; they provide one of the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3 in an ideal 3:1 ratio. Hemp seeds contain naturally occurring gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). With a pleasant, nutty flavor, hemp is a delicious food packed with dense nutrition.
Where Does Hemp Come From
Hemp seeds come from the industrial hemp plant, also known as cannabis sativa L [aka hemp]. It is important to note that industrial hemp and marijuana are not the same plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis; however it is not a drug and does not contain any psychoactive elements. According to the Congressional Report for Congress entitled “Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity,” a person cannot ‘get high’ from eating or attempting to smoke hemp. The report states that, “Although marijuana is also a variety of cannabis, it is genetically distinct from industrial hemp and is further distinguished by its use and chemical makeup.” Despite this, the cultivation of industrial hemp is currently highly restricted in the United States.
A Brief Hemp History
It may surprise many Americans that the nation’s first hemp laws actually required the growing of hemp. Mandatory hemp cultivation laws were enacted in the early 1600’s. Hemp was used as legal tender in most of the Americas from 1631 until the early 1800’s and could even be used to pay taxes. The cultivation and use of hemp continued into the 1900’s..
In the early twentieth century misinformation about hemp began to spread. Politicians, law enforcement agents and newspapers all contributed to the misconception that hemp and marijuana (the archaic spelling of marijuana) were the same plant. Marijuana was a slang term, so clarifying the differences between cannabis indica Lam and sativa varieties that carried psychoactive elements and cannabis sativa L (hemp) became increasingly confusing. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted to require taxation and special permits in order to grow, possess or transfer cannabis. Prohibition of cannabis eventually took over. There was a brief repeal of this embargo during World War II when a campaign called Hemp for Victory encouraged farmers to grow hemp to support war efforts.
The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 (CSA) classified hemp in the most stringent category as a Schedule I Controlled Substance along with heroin and other highly addictive, no medical use drugs. This strict classification included industrial hemp even though it was known not to contain psychoactive properties, or even to be a drug.
Hemp in the Modern Marketplace
In addition to yielding a nutritional super-food that many Americans are keen to consume, the hemp plant can provide the raw materials for the production of over 25,000 products. Its cultivation is ecologically friendly and all parts of the plant are useable. The industrial hemp plant has a unique capability of removing contaminates from soil and water through a process called phytoremediation and it does not require pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Nutrients used by the growing plant are stored in the leaves and when left to mulch into the dirt, replenish the soil. When the plant matter is turned into commodities it does not need or create toxins and the products produced are biodegradable.
Legalize It
Since 1973 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has maintained control over hemp. Although industrial hemp and marijuana are different plants and sow differently, the DEA will not release permits to grow the crop. Removing hemp from the CSA has nothing to do with being “soft on drugs.” Recognizing this, along with the fact that industrial hemp is a high-value, low-input crop that provides a nutritionally dense food source and significant economic benefits, legislation is now pending to allow United States farmers to legally grow hemp.
Contacting legislators to voice support for HR 1831, The Industrial Hemp Act of 2011, is one way to support changes in the outdated federal policy that prohibits the cultivation of industrial hemp. Although it is not legal to grow within the United States, hemp products can be legally purchased and consumed. Demonstrating consumer demand is also a helpful way to campaign for the legalization of hemp as it illustrates that establishment of a hemp industry could mean jobs for U.S citizens.
Side Bar:
Hemp is a renewable raw material and has a long, positive, useful history. While the seeds of the plant are used for food, the fibrous stalk can be used to make rope and fabric. The cellulose core found within the stalk can be turned into paper products and used to make just about anything that is normally made from plastic. Part of the stalk can even be used to create hempboard (similar to particleboard) or mixed with lime to create a building material called Hempcrete. Products created from hemp are all biodegradable.
Interesting Uses of Hemp Throughout American History Include:
● The sails and ropes on Christopher Columbus’s ships were made from hemp fiber.
● Thomas Jefferson used hemp paper to draft the Declaration of Independence.
● The first Levi Jeans were made from hemp fabric.
● Henry Ford built an automobile from hemp.
Laura Noble is a hemp advocate who started investigating hemp fabrics for their UV protective qualities after battling melanoma. Her discovery of the many nutritional, environmental and economic benefits of hemp led her to create Cousin Mary Jane. For further information on the nutritional benefits of hemp, how you can support the hemp industry and to investigate the conspiracy against hemp, visit CousinMaryJane.com.
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Source: Natural Awakenings Magazine of Wayne County